parkhouse99

My steering wheel is locked and the ignition will not turn on my 1997 C280, All I did was change the batteries in the Key fob. at first the key would turn, but no start. later the steering wheel locked and the key would not turn. I bought a new key, a new Car battery and nothing. Steering wheel still locked and new key or old key will not turn. Any advise or help please.

ptcruiser

Sounds like a dealer fix. Possibly reprogramming.
Sadly, the car has to be physically at the dealer, so it depends on where the nearest one is.

parkhouse99

Thanks, sadly I thought that would be the answer. I just spent $1200 for a new transmission. Plate, $800 for a radiator, now this. Plus a new key.

mbsickness

The 97 still uses the old style key and not a Smart Key so the problem you are having is a physical one with the tumblers and/or the steering lock mechanism. Try to rock the steering wheel against the stops while turning the key and see if that unlocks things. Also some folks have had luck with vibrating the key while in the ignition with a sawzall or similar. In the case of my 94 the dealer had to cut the lock out....good luck.

ptcruiser

Good reply from MBSICKNESS.
When I bought my 1998, for what I considered to be a very decent price, I spent another $5000.00 plus on making it perfect. Money well spent for the end result, but if I had known all the small things that need attention, I could have moved up several years.
Anyway, I am happy with the end result.